Local's Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps in Austin

Austin, Texas, has become a city of its singular vibe, great music, and food scenes. For every best-kept secret, there is some ultra-popular trap ready to snare unsuspecting visitors. Whether you are traveling for the very first time or you're a local trying to dodge tourists, here is how one will find the best in Austin without becoming part of such tourist traps:. Make your mornings better with a fresher space cleaned by professional cleaners like Sparkly Maid Austin.

1. Say No to South Congress Souvenir Shops

South Congress Avenue is a nice vibrant area, but much of the retail is geared more toward out-of-town customers. Skip the overpriced souvenirs and, instead, peruse local artisan markets like the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, or craft fairs around the city, for any keepsakes or special gifts to take home with you.

2. Skip the Line for Breakfast Tacos at Torchy's

Torchy's Tacos is an Austin staple, but locals know to avoid the lines. For a true taste of Austin's taco culture, try Veracruz All Natural or La Tunita 512 instead. These spots serve up equally delicious tacos without the wait.

3. Avoid the Touristy Bars on Sixth Street

Sure, Sixth Street is famous, but it's often so jammed with tourists and bachelor parties. Locals instead favor the eclectic bar scene in East Austin or the Rainey Street Historic District for a truer Austin experience.

4. Be a Tourist Like a Local on Lady Bird Lake

The bat-watching tours at Congress Avenue Bridge are popular but packed. Instead, take a kayak or paddleboard rental out on Lady Bird Lake for the same views, at your own pace.

5. Find Nature Beyond Zilker Park

Zilker Park is the place for action, but for those who want some serious outdoors-not so many people-head on over to Barton Creek Greenbelt or Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. These are perfect places for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying Austin's beauty without all the crowds.

6. Take a Local’s Approach to Live Music

Ditch the major venues and head to some local favorites like The White Horse or C-Boy's Heart & Soul. These smaller venues capture the music spirit of Austin while staying off the tourist radar.

7. Skip the Lines at Franklin Barbecue

The lines for Franklin Barbecue can be hours-long, which sucks the enthusiasm right out. Many locals will get equally salivating barbecue from Micklethwait Craft Meats or La Barbecue without the epic lines.

8. Pick Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums

While the Bullock Texas State History Museum is interesting in and of itself, this kind of touristy attraction is often better replaced with something smaller, such as the Elisabet Ney Museum or the Mexic-Arte Museum, to get a more in-depth look at Austin's culture.

9. Insider Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Start

Whether you need help moving into a new place or are simply fixing up the current one, cleaning is required. Check the move-out cleaning services to make your surroundings as fresh as your Austin experience.

Conclusion

Enjoying Austin like a local means bypassing the hotspots and delving into what is real. From the best-kept-secret tacos to catching live music at small venues, there's a lot to the city beyond a tourist's notice. With the above tips, now living the Austin life, remember, too, that Sparkly Maid Austin is the entrance ticket to making your home sparkly like this fun city itself.